Netball Queensland would like to congratulate the 16 Queensland athletes selected as part of the 2020 Netball Centre of Excellence Squads.
The announcement included five Queensland players named in the Australian 21/Under squad selected ahead of the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup, including Queensland Firebirds Macy Gardner and Mia Stower, as well as Leesa Mi Mi, Reilly Batcheldor and Sarahpheinna Woulf.
While the Netball World Youth Cup has been postponed, preparation of the Australian squad will continue to ensure ongoing technical, tactical, physical and psychological development of the group as they approach the benchmark event.
Five Queensland representatives were also selected in the 19/Under National squad, with Charlie Bell, Rylee Burns, Abigail Houston, Lily Gribble and recent Sunshine Coast Lightning debutante Annabelle Lawrie all named.
The Queensland contingent was completed by a further six athletes in the 17/Under squad including Hayley McGruther, Martina Reekers, Sarah Harris, Losa Nuimata, Isabelle Shearer and Ashleigh Ervin.
Netball Queensland’s High Performance Director, Jeremy Hickmans, said all 16 athletes would do their State, and themselves, proud.
“All of our Queensland athletes have worked tirelessly to put themselves in this position and are thoroughly deserving of their respective places in the National squads,” Hickmans said.
“It’s been a unique year, but their selection is testament to the work ethic and drive they’ve each displayed to persevere in the face of this challenge and reach their goal of national selection.”
“This is a very proud moment, for both the athletes and their families, and we look forward to seeing our Queensland players seize the opportunity with both hands.”
Selection of these squads was conducted differently this year after the National Netball Championships, where selection is normally made, were cancelled due to COVID-19.
National selectors have since worked closely with state representatives within the National Institute Network to finalise the squads, assessing each athlete based on a range of attributes, focusing on current and potential performance.
With squad selection now complete, Netball Australia aims to deliver training camps in late 2020 (dates to be confirmed) to ensure players maintain access to competition and development opportunities.
The 2020 17/Under and 19/Under camps will be led by Netball Centre of Excellence Head Coach Michelle Wilkins and the 21/U camp will be led by Australian 21/Under Head Coach Kylee Byrne.
Dates for these training camps will be confirmed in coming weeks.
The International Netball Federation is yet to confirm a re-scheduled date of the Netball World Youth Cup, but it is expected to be in late 2021 or early 2022.
